How to walk the Caminito del Rey with Kids
The family enjoying the views from the Camino del Rey. Spain
What is the Caminito del Rey?
Once known as one of the deadliest routes in the world, the Caminito del Rey is a walkway that was built along the sheer stone walls of the narrow gorge of the Rio Guadalhorce in 1901 for workers of the two adjacent power plants to travel between them and transport materials. It was completed in 1905 and King Alfonso XIII walked the path in 1921 to inaugurate the adjacent dam. It later became known as El Caminito del Rey (the King’s little path). Over time, the path, constructed of steel beams anchored to the side of the cliff and concrete, fell into disrepair. In the 1990’s, it became a famous route for daredevils who would walk the dilapidated route composed of crumbling concrete and exposed beams without any remaining handrails.
The original path remains just below the new path. Can you imagine reaching this point? And it wasn’t even the worst.
At its highest, the path traverses 100 meters above the gorge floor below. After several daredevils died trying to finish the route, it was officially closed in 2000. Despite this, several additional people died trying to traverse the officially closed route. In 2011, the government began a restoration project and essentially rebuilt the entire trail. The new trail opened in 2015. Now you can safely follow the new route that takes the same course as the original route but is composed of new and solid construction materials.
The kids safely enjoying the newly constructed Camino del Ray
What is the Camino Del Rey like now?
The route consists of two segments of steel and wooden walkways that are suspended along the sheer walls of two consecutive deep gorges. Between, before, and after these segments, you will be following a well marked gravel path. Before hiking out of the second gorge, you will cross the gorge on a suspension bridge suspended around 100 meters below the canyon floor. This is the scariest part of the hike. The walk itself is easy, but this isn’t a good route for people who have issues with heights.
The bridge that crosses the gorge at the Camino del Ray is a suspension bridge that is hidden behind the solid old bridge in this photograph.
Camino Del Rey Tickets:
You have to purchase a ticket to walk the Caminito del Rey. These can be purchased in advance online. You can purchase a ticket only or purchase a guided tour. Although it might have been cool to hear some of the history, the tour groups we saw were very large (30 ish people) and they were moving very slowly. We preferred to hike it on our own. Tickets are 10 euro per ticket without a guide, or 18 euro for a ticket with a guide.
Wilson at the ticket office which is 1.5 km or 2.7 km from the trailhead depending on where you start. Camino del Ray Spain
Tip: If you have the foresight to plan ahead, buy your tickets in advance online.
We did this walk while we were in Malaga on day 132 of our 6 month trip around the world. Although I was on top of planning the first couple months, by day 132, we were running on a day-by-day planning basis. Due to this, I did not buy tickets in advance and all of the tickets for the entire week we were in Malaga were sold out. I had read a few other reviews that said you may be able to get tickets on sight, even if they are sold out online, so we packed up and headed for the trail in hopes of securing 5 tickets. It worked out without any problems. We literally walked up to the entrance, bought 5 tickets, and started the walk within 5 minutes.
A few important points about getting tickets at the entrance:
The ticket office is located at the start of the official trail. To get to the trailhead and ticket office, you must park and walk 1.5 km or 2.7 km (depending on which trail you take) to the start of the official trail. There is no ticket office near the road.
I have read conflicting information about getting tickets the day of your hike and I still don’t know which is true. Some sources say that all of the tickets are released first thing in the morning and it is best to get there as early as possible. Other sources say that they admit a certain number of guests each hour and, if they have extra spots during a given time slot, they will let in additional people to reach the quota. We showed up at 12:55 and got to start the trail at 1:00, so I am inclined to believe the second option is correct. Either way, getting there earlier rather than later is probably better. The last entry is at 2:00 PM.
The cool tunnel from the road that makes the trail 1.2 km shorter than starting at El Kiosko
A few important rules to be aware of:
You cannot wear flip flops or other sandals without a secure back strap. They let Joey pass with Chacos but sent another group in flip flops packing.
Kids under the age of 8 cannot hike the trail. They asked to see Gus, our 10 year old’s passport for confirmation of his age. Luckily we had an electronic copy on hand. I don’t really understand the 8 year old cut off as a well-behaved 6 or 7 year old could easily do this hike, but, rules are rules.
The trail must be hiked in the north to south direction.
No drones allowed
You will be required to wear a hair net and helmet for the entire hike.
Wilson and Gus donning their hairnets prior to putting on their helmets.
Parking for the Camino Del Rey:
There is a parking lot near the tunnel entrance to the northern trail head. Additional parking can be found along the road between the two trails.
The Camino del Rey trailhead:
In order to get to the official start of the Caminito del rey, you will have to hike either 1.5 or 2.7 km depending on which trail you take. The first trail starts at the tunnel on the right side of the road just passed the parking lot. This trail is easy and only 1.5 km. The tunnel is also really cool on its own. Unless you are just looking for a longer hike, I would suggest using this access to the trailhead.
The less well know trailhead that leads through a tunnel to the main trail only 1.5 km from the ticket office. Camino del Ray Spain
The second access is just to the right of the Kiosk restaurant and is 2.7 km to the trailhead/ticket office.
The trailhead at the restaurant El Kiosko which is 2.7 km from the ticket office.
Once you reach the start of the official trail, you will get some brief instructions and the path will be very obvious.
Length of the Camino Del Ray:
Including the tunnel access trail, 7.7 km. Including the access trail from the kiosk, 8.9km.
Difficulty:
Easy (if you are not scared of heights)
While some may have a fear of heights, Wilson seems to have an affinity for heights.
Elevation change:
You are loosing elevation throughout the entire hike until the last 2 km. It’s a net loss, however.
Payout:
10/10. The suspended walkways and the remains of the old trail are both really cool. Again, if you don’t enjoy the thrill of heights, this isn’t for you. To me, the trail felt secure and I really didn’t find it that scary. For a few members of our group that are more afraid of heights, there were some heart-pounding sections. The narrow, deep canyon with the water rushing below is spectacular and you can really appreciate its size from this trail.
Gus finding a bit of security holding onto the safety line that runs the entire length of the Caminito.
Other things you need to know about the Camino del Rey:
There is no where to use the toilet on the trail. The trail is very popular and you will not be able to find a spot to use in nature. Use the toilet at the trailhead. There was no toilet paper available when we were there, so you may want to bring your own.
The Kiosk restaurant located near the entrance serves food and drinks. Additionally, there are several small stands selling food and drinks in El Chaco at the end of the trail. I had a delicious lemon ice and the kids had ice cream. There are no great places to stop and eat on the trail since the trail is so crowded. We opted for a picnic by the reservoir after our hike instead of trying to eat on the trail itself.
They are, rightfully so, very strict about packing out all of your trash, even organic waste, such as fruit peels/seeds. Be sure to bring a bag for trash along if you plan on eating.
You will either need to take the bus back from the southern end of the trail to the parking lot or hike 6 km on the road. You cannot hike back on the trail. Buses leave every 30 minutes and you don’t need to get tickets in advance. You will need cash for the bus. It is 1.75 Euro per person.
This trail is very popular. I suggest trying to go on a weekday, like we did.
The kids far ahead on the Camino del Rey.
Final thoughts on Caminito del Rey:
This is a unique and thrilling trail with an intriguing history and reputation. If you aren’t too afraid of heights, I recommend adding it to your southern Spain itinerary. Just remember to buy your tickets in advance if you can, use the tunnel access trail unless you want a longer hike, wear close toed shoes or sandals with a back strap, and bring identification for any kids that look like they might be younger than 8. Share your experience with the trail in the comments below.
Post hike picnic at El Chorro, Ardales, a swimming lake.
